Pulmonary Function Tests

What are pulmonary function tests?

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.

There are 2 types of disorders that cause problems with air moving in and out of the lungs:

Obstructive. This is when air has trouble flowing out of the lungs due to resistance. This causes a decreased flow of air.

Restrictive. This is when the chest muscles can’t expand enough. This creates problems with air flow.

PFT can be done with 2 methods:

Spirometry. A spirometer is a device with a mouthpiece hooked up to a small electronic machine.

Plethysmography. You sit or stand inside an air-tight box that looks like a short, square telephone booth to do the tests.

PFT measures:

Tidal volume (VT). This is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing.

Minute volume (MV). This is the total amount of air exhaled per minute.

Vital capacity (VC). This is the total volume of air that can be exhaled after inhaling as much as you can.

Functional residual capacity (FRC). This is the amount of air left in lungs after exhaling normally.

Residual volume. This is the amount of air left in the lungs after exhaling as much as you can.

Total lung capacity. This is the total volume of the lungs when filled with as much air as possible.

Forced vital capacity (FVC). This is the amount of air exhaled forcefully and quickly after inhaling as much as you can.

Forced expiratory volume (FEV). This is the amount of air expired during the first, second, and third seconds of the FVC test.

Forced expiratory flow (FEF). This is the average rate of flow during the middle half of the FVC test.

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). This is the fastest rate that you can force air out of your lungs.

Normal values for PFTs vary from person to person. The amount of air inhaled and exhaled in your test results are compared to the average for someone of the same age, height, sex, and race. Results are also compared to any of your previous test results. If you have abnormal PFT measurements or if your results have changes, you may need other tests.

Why might I need pulmonary function tests?

There are many different reasons why pulmonary function tests (PFTs) may be done. They are sometimes done in healthy people as part of a routine physical. Or you may have PFTs if your healthcare provider needs help to diagnose you with a health problem such as:

Restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the chest wall

Sarcoidosis, a disease that causes lumps of inflammatory cells around organs such as the liver, lungs, and spleen

Scleroderma, a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue

PFTs may be used to check lung function before surgery or other procedures in patients who have lung or heart problems, who are smokers, or who have other health conditions. Another use of PFTs is to assess treatment for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung problems. Your healthcare provider may also have other reasons to advise PFTs.

What are the risks of pulmonary function tests?

Because pulmonary function testing is not an invasive procedure, it is safe and quick for most people. But the person must be able to follow clear, simple directions.

All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include:

Dizziness during the tests

Feeling short of breath

Coughing

Asthma attack brought on by deep inhalation

In some cases, a person shouldn’t have PFTs. Reasons for this can include:

Recent eye surgery, because of increased pressure inside the eyes during the procedure

Recent belly (abdominal) or chest surgery

Chest pain, recent heart attack, or an unstable heart condition

A bulging blood vessel (aneurysm) in the chest, belly, or brain

Active tuberculosis (TB) or respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu

Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Talk with him or her about any concerns you have.

Certain things can make PFTs less accurate. These include:

Use of medicines that open the airways (bronchodilators)

Use of pain medicines

Pregnancy

Stomach bloat that affects the ability to take deep breaths

Extreme tiredness or other conditions that affect a person’s ability to do the tests

How do I get ready for pulmonary function tests?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully. Ask questions if anything is not clear.

Tell your healthcare provider if you take any medicines. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Make sure to:

Stop taking certain medicines before the procedure, if instructed by your healthcare provider

Stop smoking before the test, if instructed by your healthcare provider

Not eat a heavy meal before the test, if instructed by your healthcare provider

Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you

Your height and weight will be recorded before the test. This is done so that your results can be accurately calculated.

What happens during pulmonary function tests?

You may have your procedure as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay in the hospital. The way the procedure is done may vary. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider's methods. In most cases, the procedure will follow this process:

You’ll be asked to loosen tight clothing, jewelry, or other things that may cause a problem with the procedure.

If you wear dentures, you will need to wear them during the procedure.

You’ll need to empty your bladder before the procedure.

You’ll sit in a chair. A soft clip will be put on your nose. This is so all of your breathing is done through your mouth, not your nose.

You’ll be given a sterile mouthpiece that is attached to a spirometer.

You’ll form a tight seal over the mouthpiece with your mouth. You’ll be instructed to inhale and exhale in different ways.

You will be watched carefully during the procedure for dizziness, trouble breathing, or other problems.

You may be given a bronchodilator after certain tests. The tests will then be repeated several minutes later, after the bronchodilator has taken effect.

What happens after pulmonary function tests?

If you have a history of lung or breathing problems, you may be tired after the tests. You will be given a chance to rest afterwards. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your test results.

Next steps

Before you agree to the test or the procedure make sure you know:

The name of the test or procedure

The reason you are having the test or procedure

The risks and benefits of the test or procedure

When and where you are to have the test or procedure and who will do it